A Lagos State High Court has adjourned a dispute over the estate of late Nigerian businessman, Chief Labode Oladimeji Akindele, to November 19. The case involves a challenge to the authenticity and validity of a 2017 Will. Oladipo Alade Akindele, the deceased's first son, filed the case against the Will's beneficiaries. The court heard from a key witness, Mr Soji Awogbade, a senior lawyer and former partner at AALEX, who prepared the disputed Will.
During cross-examination by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Dr Kemi Pinheiro, Awogbade maintained that the Will was prepared after consulting with Chief Akindele. Pinheiro questioned Awogbade about the instructions given by the deceased, corrections made to the document, and its final approval. The lawyer also inquired about records of consultations between Awogbade and Chief Akindele. These questions arose from Awogbade's description of Chief Akindele as a careful businessman who paid close attention to important documents.
The court examined the relationship between the family protocol mentioned in the 2017 Will and a Family Constitution dated October 14, 2018. Questions were raised about the difference between executors appointed in the Will and trustees expected to serve under the family's broader governance arrangements. Oladipo Alade Akindele challenges the Will on several grounds, including alleged problems with its signing and the absence of a Family Protocol.
The defendants have rejected the allegations, insisting that the Will was properly signed. They also stated that the Family Constitution, which was signed by the deceased, some of his children, and another family member, was properly included in the Will. The dispute has led to a court order placing Chief Akindele's estate under the management of the Lagos State Administrator-General until the case is decided.
Chief Akindele died on June 29, 2020, at 88, leaving behind business interests in maritime services, fishing, finance, real estate, and international investments. His business interests included Fairgate Group Limited, Fairgate Estates Limited, Fairgate Investments Limited, and Madandola Group. The inheritance dispute has extended to the United Kingdom, where related court proceedings are ongoing over a Grant of Probate.
The claimant, Oladipo Alade Akindele, is asking the court to declare the disputed Will invalid, stop its use in managing the estate, and order an account of the deceased's assets, income, and expenses since his death. The defendants, represented by Ebun Sofunde, SAN, have denied trying to unlawfully deny Oladipo his inheritance. Pinheiro leads the claimant's legal team alongside Mayowa Owolabi of Pistis Partners LLP.
The court has adjourned the case until November 19 for the continuation of Awogbade's cross-examination. The case's outcome will determine the distribution of Chief Akindele's estate and the validity of the disputed 2017 Will. The court's decision will also impact the ongoing proceedings in the United Kingdom.
Key points
- The Lagos State High Court has adjourned the case to November 19.
- The dispute involves a challenge to the authenticity and validity of a 2017 Will.
- The case's outcome will determine the distribution of Chief Akindele's estate.
